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Ribot (horse)

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Ribot
SireTenerani
GrandsireBellini
DamRomanella
DamsireEl Greco
SexStallion
Foaled27 February 1952
CountryGreat Britain
ColourBay
BreederFederico Tesio
OwnerLydia Tesio & Mario della Rocchetta
(colours: white, red crossbelts, red cap)
TrainerUgo Penco
Record16: 16–0–0
Earnings$294,414
Major wins
Gran Criterium (1954)
Gran Premio del Jockey Club (1955)
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (1955, 1956)
Gran Premio di Milano (1956)
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1956)
Awards
Timeform top rated horse (1956)
Leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland
(1963, 1967, 1968)
Honours
La Gazzetta dello Sport poll:
ranked no. 4 Italian athlete of the 20th century
Premio Ribot at Capannelle Racecourse
Horse of the Century
(ITA)
Timeform rating: 142
Last updated on 2 August 2023

Ribot (27 February 1952 – 28 April 1972) was a British-bred, Italian-trained Thoroughbred racehorse who won all his 16 races, including the Arc de Triomphe twice. He raced from 5 furlongs (1,000m) to 1m 7f (3,000m) in three countries on all types of track conditions. He is considered by many experts to be one of the best horses ever.

He was the best Italian two-year-old of 1954, when his three wins included the Gran Criterium. He won his first four races of 1955 in Italy before being sent to France where he won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. In the following year, he recorded wide-margin victories in both the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Ribot was then retired to stud where he proved to be a highly successful breeding stallion. The performances of Ribot's progeny saw him become the leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland on three occasions (1963, 1967, 1968).

Breeding

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Ribot was bred by Italy's leading Thoroughbred breeder, Federico Tesio, who personally bred six of the horses that appeared in the first three generations of Ribot's pedigree. Ribot was foaled at the English National Stud at Newmarket, Suffolk on 27 February 1952. He was sired by Tenerani an outstanding Italian racehorse whose most notable international success came when he defeated the French champion Arbar in the 1948 Goodwood Cup. Ribot's dam Romanella was a successful broodmare who also produced the Premio Regina Elena winner Rossellina and the Premio Parioli winner Raeburn.[1]

He was described as being a "medium-sized bay with a lovely intelligent head and a perfect temperament. The secret of his success was probably his depth through the heart and there was not a girth at Dormello to fit him."[2] Like many of Tesio's horses, Ribot was named after an artist—in this case, the French realist Théodule-Augustin Ribot. Tesio, who also bred the undefeated and prepotent sire Nearco, did not live to see Ribot develop into a champion. After Tesio's death in May 1954, Ribot was raced by Tesio's widow Donna Lydia and his business partner, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta.[3]

Ribot was trained in Italy by Ugo Penco and ridden by Enrico Camici. He was nicknamed 'il cavallo super,' meaning 'the super horse'.

Racing record

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1954 two-year-old season

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In 1954 Ribot began his racing career by winning the Premio Tramuschio over 1,000m at San Siro Racecourse by one length. He then won the Criterium Nazionale over 1,200m at the same course by two lengths. He ended the season by running the Gran Criterium over 1,500m at San Siro. In this race Camici attempted to ride a waiting race and Ribot won narrowly by a head from Gail. In all his subsequent races he either led from the start or raced close to the leaders.

1955 three-year-old season

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Ribot had been unusually small as a yearling, being nicknamed "il piccolo" (little one). As a result, he was never entered in races such as the Premio Parioli and the Derby Italiano.[4]

In 1955 Ribot won the Premio Pisa at Pisa Racecourse by six lengths and then took the Premio Emanuele Filiberto at San Siro by 10 lengths. After a break to allow the colt to recover from a respiratory illness he won the Premio Brembo by one length from Derain, and the Premio Besana over 2,400m by 10 lengths, again beating Derain, who won the St Leger Italiano two weeks later.

In October he raced outside Italy for the first time when he contested the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2,400 metres at Longchamp Racecourse. Starting at odds of 9/1 he took the lead early in the straight and won by three lengths from Beau Prince.[5] According to press reports, he won very easily, with Camici never resorting to the whip and restraining the colt rather than driving him out in the closing stages. After the race he was surrounded by photographers and given the attention normally reserved for Hollywood film-stars.[6] In his final start of the year he returned to Italy, where he won the Gran Premio del Jockey Club by 15 lengths from the previous year's winner Norman on heavy going.[7]

1956 four-year-old season

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Ribot began his four-year-old season with three easy wins at San Siro. He won the Premio Giulio Venino over 2,000 metres by four lengths, the Premio Vittuone over 2,400 metres by twelve lengths and the Premio Garbagnate over 2,000 metres by eight lengths from Grand Rapids. He then contested Italy's Premier weight-for-age race, the Gran Premio di Milano, then run over 3,000 metres, at the San Siro. He led from the start and won by eight lengths from Tissot.[7]

In July, Ribot raced outside Italy for the second time when he was sent to England for the sixth running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes over one and a half miles at Ascot Racecourse. Racing on soft ground, he started the 2/5 favourite and won by five lengths from High Veldt and Todrai. His fourteenth consecutive victory saw him equal the record of the pre-War Italian champion Nearco.[8] Ribot then returned to Milan, where he won the Premio del Piazzale over 1,800 metres, winning by eight lengths from a field which included the Premio Parioli winner Magabait.

In October, Ribot returned to Paris for his second Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He faced a stronger field than in 1955, with the field including Talgo (Irish Derby), Tanerko, Fisherman, Career Boy, Master Boing (Washington, D.C. International) and Oroso. Ribot took the lead on the turn into the straight and drew away from the field to win by an official margin of six lengths from Talgo.[9] Photographs suggest that the winning margin was more like eight and a half lengths.[citation needed]

Stud record

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Retired from racing, Ribot had a very successful career at stud. Under a one-year contract, he first stood at Lord Derby's stud in England.[10] In 1959, he was syndicated for a five-year lease at a cost of $1.35 million before being sent to the United States[11] in a deal of such significance that, in June 1959, Sports Illustrated did a feature article on it.[12]

Originally, Ribot was leased by Darby Dan to stand in the United States for five years. After his temper surfaced, no insurance company would offer a policy to cover shipping him back to Europe. A new contract was worked out, and Ribot remained in the United States until his death. He is buried in the equine cemetery at Darby Dan, near his sons Graustark and His Majesty.[13]

He was leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland on three occasions (1963, 1967 and 1968). His European progeny included Molvedo and Prince Royal, both winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Ragusa, winner of the Irish Derby, St. Leger, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Eclipse Stakes. In America he sired Long Look, winner of Epsom Oaks; the full brothers Ribocco and Ribero, both winners of the Irish Derby and St. Leger; Boucher, the winner of the 1972 St Leger; Tom Rolfe, winner of the 1965 Preakness Stakes; Arts and Letters, winner of the 1969 Belmont Stakes; and Graustark. Ribot's son His Majesty sired the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Pleasant Colony. His great grandson Alleged, by Tom Rolfe's son Hoist The Flag, emulated him by winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in successive years (1977 and 1978).[14]

At least 15 Ribot stallions stood in Australasia, including Arivederci, Angeluccio, Latin Lover, Boucher (USA), Dies, Ribollire, Heir Apparent, Koryo, Regent's Tale, Ruantallan, Ribotlight and Headland. The progeny of the 15 imported stallions had won over A$7 million until late 1979.[15]

Assessment

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Timeform awarded Ribot a rating of 133 in 1955, six pounds behind the British-trained sprinter Pappa Fourway. In 1956 he was given a rating of 142, making him the highest-rated horse in Europe.[16]

A Century of Champions, written by John Randall and Tony Morris, states that photographs show Sea-Bird winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe by only four and a half lengths (and not by the official six lengths). Thus, they argue that Ribot's triumph (correctly by eight and half lengths and not by an official six lengths) in the race is de facto the largest winning distance. Randall and Morris rate Ribot the third-best racehorse of the 20th century, behind Sea Bird and Secretariat.[17]

In La Gazzetta dello Sport's poll, Ribot was named the fourth-greatest Italian athlete of the 20th century. The Premio Ribot at Capannelle Racecourse is named in his honour, and he has been named Horse of the Century in Italy.

Sire line tree

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Pedigree

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Pedigree of Ribot (GB), bay stallion, 1952[119]
Sire
Tenerani (ITY)
B.1944　 		Bellini (ITY)
B. 1937　 		Cavaliere d'Arpino　 Havresac
Chuette
Bella Minna Bachelor's Double
Santa Minna
Tofanella (GB)
Ch. 1931　 		Apelle Sardanapale
Angelina
Try Try Again Cylgad
Perseverance
Dam
Romanella (ITY)
Ch. 1943　 		El Greco (ITY)
Ch. 1934　 		Pharos Phalaris
Scapa Flow
Gay Gamp Gay Crusader
Parasol
Barbara Burrini (GB)
Br. 1937　 		Papyrus Tracery
Miss Matty
Bucolic Buchan
Volcanic (Family: 4-l)[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Thoroughbred Bloodlines - Golden Grove - Family 4-l". Bloodlines.net. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  2. ^ Talmadge Phelps, John and Frank, Dormello-Olgiata, 1961-1962, Derby Publishing Co., Milan, 1962
  3. ^ "Hengst mit fünf Gängen". Der Spiegel. 27 January 1957. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  4. ^ Luigi Barzini Jr. (10 December 1956). "Ribot, a horse of Nietzschean proportions". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Unbeaten Ribot set for Laurel invasion". Miami News. 10 October 1955. p. 12. Retrieved 10 June 2013.[dead link]
  6. ^ "Important Ascot race seems at the mercy of Italian colt". Glasgow Herald. 17 July 1956. p. 2. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  7. ^ a b Tony Morris (26 July 1999). "Ribot - very best of an elite; A CENTURY OF RACING". Racing Post. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  8. ^ "Rich UK race to Ribot". Sydney Morning Herald. 23 July 1956. p. 11. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  9. ^ "American horses fail in Europe". Sarasota Journal. 8 October 1956. p. 13. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  10. ^ "Ribot coming to English stud". Glasgow Herald. 1 December 1956. p. 7. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  11. ^ Montgomery, E. S. (1973). The Thoroughbred. New York: Arco. ISBN 0-668-02824-6.
  12. ^ Whitney Tower (1 June 1959). "The Man, The Horse And The Deal That Made History". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  13. ^ "Grave Matters Darby Dan Farm". Tbheritage.com. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  14. ^ Australian Stud Book: Ribot (GB) Retrieved 2010-11-19
  15. ^ de Bourg, Ross (1980). The Australian and New Zealand Thoroughbred. West Melbourne: Nelson. ISBN 0-17-005860-3.
  16. ^ Morris, Tony; Randall, John (1990). Horse Racing: Records, Facts, Champions (Third ed.). Guinness Publishing. ISBN 0-85112-902-1.
  17. ^ Morris, Tony; Randall, John (1999). A Century of Champions. Portway Press. ISBN 978-1-901570-15-1.
  18. ^ "Sire Line: Galopin". Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  19. ^ Darley Arabian Sire Line: St Simon Branch
  20. ^ Jumpers: Darley Arabian Sire Line
  21. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Ribot
  22. ^ Two-Time Arc Winner Ribot
  23. ^ Ribot: Tesio's Crowning Glory
  24. ^ Australian Racing Museum: Rain Lover
  25. ^ 1973 – Jock Graham and Imagele!
  26. ^ Image: See More Business
  27. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Con Brio II
  28. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Tom Rolfe
  29. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Hoist the Flag
  30. ^ Irish Derby Winner Law Society Dies
  31. ^ Champion NH Sire Flemensfirth Dies At 31
  32. ^ Dual Champion Flemensfirth has passed away, aged 31.
  33. ^ St. Leger Winner Shantou Dies at 28
  34. ^ Successful Stallion Stalwart Dies
  35. ^ a b AS PRETTY AS A PICTURE
  36. ^ Stalwart Charger Lights Silver Screen : Horse racing: Gelding wins by 4 1/2 lengths, prompts trainer to call him best 3-year-old in the United States.
  37. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Run the Gantlet
  38. ^ Ardross – “The Last Stayer Ever To Be Named Horse Of The Year”
  39. ^ Image: Miocamen
  40. ^ Death of popular British jumps sire Karinga Bay.
  41. ^ Racing: Rare case of Anzum is as Anzum does
  42. ^ English Classic Winner Commanche Run Dead
  43. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Bowl Game
  44. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Graustark
  45. ^ Travers Flashback: The Strange Saga of Jim French
  46. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Key to the Mint
  47. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Sauce Boat
  48. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Java Gold
  49. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Kona Gold
  50. ^ Kona Gold: An Unlikely Sprint Champion
  51. ^ Kona Gold: ‘Those of us lucky enough to have worked and worshipped at his doorstep enjoy a special bond’
  52. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Caracolero
  53. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Avatar
  54. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Proud Truth
  55. ^ Canadian Champion, Kentucky Derby Runner Truth Of It All Dies At Age 34
  56. ^ Canadian Champion Truth Of It All Passes Away At Hurstland Farm
  57. ^ Spago wins Clasico del Caribe
  58. ^ Panama’s Spago Wins Caribbean Stakes
  59. ^ Hall of Fame: Arts and Letters
  60. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Arts and Letters
  61. ^ Though He Be But Little, He Is Fierce: Arts and Letters
  62. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Codex
  63. ^ Leading Sires of South Africa: 2000 - Present
  64. ^ Lost Code Succumbs to Heart Attack
  65. ^ Lost Code, Trainer in Big Time
  66. ^ Weekend Racing at Hollywood Park : At Age 8, Tonzarun Has Been There and Back
  67. ^ American Classic Pedigree: His Majesty
  68. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Cormorant
  69. ^ Classic Sire Cormorant Dies
  70. ^ SOCIAL RETIREE IS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, SETS TURF MARK AT LAUREL
  71. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Go For Gin
  72. ^ 1994 Kentucky Derby Winner Go For Gin Dies At The Kentucky Horse Park
  73. ^ Go For Gin Dies at 31
  74. ^ Zito Reflects on 'Lifetime of Memories' With Go for Gin
  75. ^ ALBERT THE GREAT (1997 - 2022)
  76. ^ Grade 1 Winner Albert the Great Euthanized at 24
  77. ^ Albert the Great's Pedigree Analysis
  78. ^ At Age 24, Four-Time New York Champion Gander Is Living The Good Life
  79. ^ New York-bred champion Gander passes at 26
  80. ^ Fan Favorite Gander Dies at Age 26
  81. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Pleasant Colony
  82. ^ Pleasant Colony: 1981 Kentucky Derby Winner Was a Genuine Racehorse
  83. ^ The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Has Four Horses From The Nearly Dead St. Simon Sire Line
  84. ^ a b American Classic Pedigree: St Jovite
  85. ^ a b European Horse Of The Year St. Jovite Euthanized
  86. ^ California Stallion Cherokee Colony Dies
  87. ^ Cherokeeinthehills strong in steeplechase
  88. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Pleasant Tap
  89. ^ Pleasant Tap: Handsome, honest, reliable – on screen he would have been typecast as the loyal best friend
  90. ^ Classic Pedigree Profile: David Junior
  91. ^ Premium Tap Pours It On in Woodward Shock
  92. ^ Premium Tap Wins in Saudi Arabia
  93. ^ Premium Tap Wins Again in Saudi Arabia
  94. ^ Premium Tap Will Not Return to U.S.
  95. ^ Adena Springs Stallion Tiago Euthanized
  96. ^ Sahara Sky Sires First Winner at Indiana Grand
  97. ^ Sahara Sky’s Pedigree Makes Him a Rare Specimen
  98. ^ Old, Gray Sir Beaufort Better Than Used to Be : Big ‘Cap: Six-year-old beats 59-1 Star Recruit by a nose for his richest victory. Best Pal, other favorites finish out of money.
  99. ^ Top European Horse St. Jovite Dies at Age 27
  100. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Colonial Affair
  101. ^ Colonial Affair Dies in Argentina
  102. ^ Three-Time Grade I Winner Behrens Dies
  103. ^ Grade I Winner Forbidden Apple Passes Away
  104. ^ Florida-bred Millionaire Forbidden Apple Passes at Age 29
  105. ^ 'Teacher,' 'Companion': Grade 1 Winner Forbidden Apple Dies At 30
  106. ^ TRF Honors the Life of Forbidden Apple at Age 29
  107. ^ Foundation honors the life of retired racer Forbidden Apple
  108. ^ Grade 1 Winner, Former Stallion Forbidden Apple Dies
  109. ^ Underdogs in Horse Racing: Colonial Colony
  110. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Pleasently Perfect
  111. ^ Pleasantly Perfect Dies in Turkey at 22
  112. ^ Breeders' Cup Classic Hero Pleasantly Perfect Dies In Turkey
  113. ^ Rapid Redux retired
  114. ^ Whitmore Adjusts to Life as a Retired Racehorse
  115. ^ American Classic Pedigree: Grass Wonder
  116. ^ a b American Classic Pedigree: Tight Spot
  117. ^ 38 Days Later, Tight Spot Wins the Del Mar Derby
  118. ^ Millionaire Cetewayo Retired
  119. ^ "Ribot pedigree". equineline.com. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2013.

Further reading

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